Class D Technology

The PS Audio amps are being built as a lower cost alternative to their higher priced fare.

     i Wonder which class D power module PS is  using in the Stellar monos?  I would think they'd be sharp enough to audition the newer Abletec and Pascal modules and compare them to the Ice and Hypex to use the best performer.  Anyone know?  Guido?

Thanks,
  Tim

Their literature says Class D ICE output stage and MOSFET input stage

What they call "Analog Cell" is just class A Mosfet input stage very common in many class A or AB amps.  It sounds like a lot of hot air (for class D).

Some sort of input buffer is almost always required to eliminate input offsets in the comparator and that sort of thing (which is also where most of the class D artifact actually arises). But this does sound like marketing.

So the ICEPower and Hypex modules have a built-in buffer, but the configuration is such that manufacturers can bypass it and implement their own if they want to. Without the buffer the input impedance is very low for line level.

This allows manufacturers to add their own sweetener/secret sauce to the amps. Anything from a transformer input, to MOSFETS, op amp, whatever you want. The modules like ICEPower also conveniently provide a 12V source.

Other differentiation can be done in using the ICEPower modules without power supplies built in. This, again, let's manufacturers make their own linear supplies, or whatnot and claim further product differentiation.

Best,


E